Ezra’s Commission: Chapter 7 introduces us to the person and mission of Ezra. His mission is the second of the three presented in Ezra-Nehemiah. It has two parts: first to take back to Jerusalem valuable supplies and pledges for the temple, along with a fresh group of returning exiles; and second to implement the adoption of the Torah to regulate the life of the Judean community. We notice, looking over the chapter, that it falls into three sections. First, verses 1–10 give a preview of the journey of chapters 7–8, interspersed with a formal introduction to Ezra and statements of his qualifications. There follows in verses 11–26 the report of a letter of the Persian king Artaxerxes, setting out Ezra’s commission. Finally, Ezra’s response of praise to God comes in verses 27–28a, along with …